How to test 4x4 is working properly

[HantsHog]

I've never had a 4x4 before and I was wondering how do I test to see if the 4x4 actually works. Is it simply put on some grass and boot it whilst turning and see if there are two sets of ripped tracks? The reason being is that when I had 4h engaged whilst reversing loaded trailer on gravel I get squeaking noise from underneath (same in forward). Just wondering if this is a symptom of previous owners never or rarely using 4h. 3.0sve 02 bought at 118k.

 

[solarman216]

I've never had a 4x4 before and I was wondering how do I test to see if the 4x4 actually works. Is it simply put on some grass and boot it whilst turning and see if there are two sets of ripped tracks? The reason being is that when I had 4h engaged whilst reversing loaded trailer on gravel I get squeaking noise from underneath (same in forward). Just wondering if this is a symptom of previous owners never or rarely using 4h. 3.0sve 02 bought at 118k.

As yours is of the later breed, you will not have grease points on the front prop, and as you have fixed hubs it will have been turning for the trucks life, so quite possibly prop U/J's are dry, replace is the only answer if this is the case, Rick

 

[solarman216]

Forgot to mention, as the Terrano does not have a inter-axle diff it is not good to engage 4 wheel on tarmac, it will cause shaft wind up, it will not break anything but will cause wheel slippage, Rick

 

[HantsHog]

Universal Joints? Is this an expensive job?

 

[HantsHog]

Knew that already but not sure if any previous owners would have known. Any symptoms of this haft wind up?

 

[jims-terrano]

Steering goes stiff as far as I know.

You didn't have full lock on when you heard the noise did you? If so could be the steering stops (the ones you bought covers for)

 

[jims-terrano]

Universal Joints? Is this an expensive job?

Take a look on Milner Off Road web site for the prices, the replacement joints have grease nipples too which is a bonus. Not changed them myself but as far as I know they can be a pain in the bum to replace.

 

[HantsHog]

Reversing straight when squeaking and disappears when in 2h and back again in 4h. Stops give the loud grinding clonk.

 

[rustic]

Forgot to mention, as the Terrano does not have a inter-axle diff it is not good to engage 4 wheel on tarmac, it will cause shaft wind up, it will not break anything but will cause wheel slippage, Rick

If you are on say a slope on tarmac that you would normally free wheel down, then if you engage 4 wheel drive, you may find that it rolls a bit then slows down to a stop... this is because not all tyre diameters are the same, and you are getting classic wind up. But it helps to prove your 4 wheel drive is working.
If this is the case... reverse back up the hill a bit, to undo some of the wind up, and put it back to two wheel drive.
CAUTION
If you use the engine to drive forward when you have rolled down the slope, something has to give, a tyre could start to shread tread, ie wheel spin, when doing this you are putting a huge strain on the transmission, gearbox, axles, propshafts etc.

 

[HantsHog]

Is this a clue to the squeaking? Oil leak from the front diff. The drip looked fresh until I prodded it with my finger.